THE LADY OF THE LAKE. CANTO SECOND. Ат The Island. I. AT morn the black-cock trims his jetty wing, 'Tis morning prompts the linnet's blithest lay; All nature's children feel the mattin spring Of life reviving, with reviving day; And while yon little bark glides down the bay, Wafting the stranger on his way again, Morn's genial influence roused a minstrel grey, And sweetly o'er the lake was heard thy strain, Mixed with the sounding harp, O white-haired Allan-bane! II. Song. Not faster yonder rowers' might Melts in the lake away, Than men from memory erase The benefits of former days; Then, stranger, go, good speed the while, Nor think again of the lonely isle. High place to thee in royal court, Good hawk and hound for sylvan sport, The honoured meed be thine. True be thy sword, thy friend sincere, And lost in love's and friendship's smile, Be memory of the lonely isle. III. Song continued. But if beneath yon southern sky A plaided stranger roam, Whose drooping crest and stifled sigh, And sunken cheek and heavy eye, Pine for his highland home; Then, warrior, then be thine to show The care that sooths a wanderer's woe; Remember then thy hap ere while A stranger in the lonely isle. Or if on life's uncertain main Mishap shall mar thy sail; If faithful, wise, and brave in vain, Beneath the fickle gale; G Waste not a sigh on fortune changed, On thankless courts, or friends estranged, But come where kindred worth shall smile, To greet thee in the lonely isle. IV. As died the sounds upon the tide, The shallop reached the main-land side, As wasted, grey, and worn as he. His reverend brow was raised to heaven, As from the rising sun to claim A sparkle of inspiring flame; His hand, reclined upon the wire, Seemed watching the awakening fire. |